The construction you see behind us is evidence of the demand for Boilermakers within Northern Ontario and throughout the province.
L-128 BM-ST Stirling Munn speaks at a press conference announcing $5.7 million in funding from the Ontario government for training. The building in the background is the new facility in Sudbury, Ontario.
The Ontario government announced more than $13 million in funding through the Skills Development Fund to train over 1,000 workers and jobseekers in Sudbury and nearby communities for high-demand careers. Local 128 (Toronto) is set to receive a significant share of the investment—over $5.7 million—to expand its training capacity and strengthen opportunities for Boilermakers and apprentices in the region.
The union will use the money to purchase new equipment for its existing Burlington Training Centre and help to fund a new facility in Sudbury. Construction on the Sudbury facility is well underway and is anticipated to be completed by December.
The new facility will enable L-128 to double its training efforts, with more than 660 new and existing members expected to benefit.
“This is much more than a new building,” Local 128 BM-ST Stirling Munn said during a press conference. “The construction you see behind us is evidence of the demand for Boilermakers within Northern Ontario and throughout the province. This new training center also serves as evidence of the strong commitment that the Ontario government under Doug Ford’s leadership has to strengthening the Province’s ability to train and grow a strong and resilient workforce of men and women who will build and maintain our vitally important industrial and energy sectors.”
In addition to hands-on skills, participants will earn safety certifications and receive instruction on operating telehandlers and elevated work platforms. This training builds upon existing programs that further prepare members to work on energy and construction projects across Ontario.
“We were thrilled with the funding,” said Jonathan White, Director of CSO for Canada. “It is tremendously encouraging to see the Province invest in our members and in our efforts to train the men and women that are imperative to leveraging the potential of the North and to capitalize on our abundance of critical minerals.”
The funding underscores the Province’s recognition of the Boilermakers’ essential role and highly specialized skills. From energy production to major construction and industrial projects, Boilermakers keep key sectors running safely and efficiently. With increased demand for qualified tradespeople, Local 128’s expanded training will help ensure workers in Northern Ontario are ready to meet industry needs.
This investment is part of the Province’s larger $2.5 billion Skills Development Fund, designed to equip workers with the skills required for stable, well-paying jobs while helping businesses remain competitive in a global economy. Since the fund’s launch, nearly $146 million has been directed to projects and organizations across Northern Ontario.
For the Boilermakers, the $5.7 million in funding represents more than new equipment and a facility. This grant gives the local an opportunity to equip the next generation, strengthen local communities and build a stronger workforce for the future.
“The SDF Funding announcement today, demonstrates alignment of perspectives, and a shared goal to see Ontario prosper and meet growing demand for energy and critical minerals,” Munn said. “There will always be challenges that accompany prosperity and growth—such as reducing bureaucratic barriers that unnecessarily delay projects—or ensuring we have sufficient trained and highly skilled Boilermakers to complete the new builds while at the same time having the necessary workforce to maintain our existing industrial facilities.”
